The Licensing and Safety Committee is scheduled to consider reports on operational matters within the Licensing Service, proposed amendments to vehicle age policies, and the suspension or revocation of driver licences. The committee is also scheduled to consider a report regarding changes to transitional arrangements for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicles concerning emissions standards.

Operational Report

The committee is scheduled to receive an operational report from the Executive Director (Corporate Core) detailing recent activities within the Licensing Service. This report is expected to provide updates on compliance and enforcement actions taken concerning both vehicles and premises. It will also outline immediate suspensions and revocations of driver licences, as well as information on partnership working, such as a multi-agency operation that resulted in the seizure of illicit cigarettes and suspected counterfeit toys. Additionally, the report is expected to inform members about the implementation of the Animals (Penalty Notices) Act 2022, which provides local authorities with a new enforcement tool for animal health and welfare offences.

Amendment of Transitional Arrangements for Existing Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles in Respect of Age Policy

A report is scheduled for discussion regarding proposed amendments to the council's current transitional arrangements for the age policy of existing licensed private hire vehicles. The current arrangements require vehicle proprietors to replace non-compliant vehicles by 4 January 2027. The report will outline options considered, including maintaining the existing deadline or introducing a shorter extension. The report notes that a recommended option is to permit proprietors of vehicles that do not meet the age policy to renew their licences, subject to a condition requiring replacement with a compliant vehicle by 31 May 2027. This extension is intended to support affected proprietors in accessing funding and acquiring replacement vehicles, aligning with the council's commitment to improving air quality and reducing transport emissions. The report notes that this proposal is broadly aligned with the regional position across Greater Manchester authorities regarding vehicle age policies.

Amendment of Transitional Arrangements for Existing Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles in Respect of Emissions Standards

The committee is scheduled to consider a report seeking approval to amend the council's current transitional arrangements relating to emissions standards for existing licensed private hire vehicles. The existing arrangements require vehicle proprietors to replace non-compliant vehicles by 4 January 2027. However, the introduction of the Greater Manchester Private Hire Support Fund has led officers to identify that the period between the fund's opening and the compliance deadline may not provide sufficient opportunity for proprietors to apply for funding, source a replacement vehicle, and complete the licensing process. The report will present alternative options, including maintaining the current deadline or introducing a shorter extension. The report notes that a recommended option is to permit proprietors of non-compliant vehicles to renew their licences, with a condition requiring replacement with a compliant vehicle by 31 May 2027. This extension is proposed to support proprietors in accessing grant funding and achieving compliance, thereby maintaining the council's air quality objectives.

Suspension / Revocation of Public / Private Hire Driver Licences

The committee is scheduled to consider a report concerning the suspension or revocation of public and private hire driver licences. One specific case, Licence Holder 05/2026, is listed. The report indicates that due to an administrative technicality, the required notification period was not provided to the licence holder. An offer for a deferment of the decision to a later date has been made and accepted by the licence holder. This item was withdrawn from the agenda and deferred to the next Licensing and Safety Committee meeting.